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Program Overview

Title IV-E Public Child Welfare Stipend | Program Overview
Title IVE

The Title IV-E Public Child Welfare Stipend Program (Title IV-E Program) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a federally funded initiative that supports BASW and MSW students preparing to begin or continue careers in public child welfare.

Through this program, eligible students selected for participation receive a stipend to support their social work education. In return, they commit to working in a qualifying public child welfare agency after graduation.

CSUSB’s Title IV-E Program provides financial assistance, specialized coursework, and practicum placements in county child welfare settings. The program equips students with the skills to support and protect children and families across California, emphasizing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practices.

The Title IV-E Stipend Program is offered at both the Palm Desert Campus and San Bernardino Campus. Funding is contingent on the availability of federal funds.

School of Social Work | Public Child Welfare Title IV-E Stipend Program

Program Option

Award Type: Stipend

BASW: $20,270

MSW: $25,000

Award Type: Reimbursement

up to $19,141 per year

Max award

Length of Service Requirement

BASW Program

X

X

1 year

1 year

1-Year Advanced Standing MSW

X

X

1 year

1 year

2-Year Advanced Standing MSW

X

X

2 years

2 years

2-Year MSW

X

X

2 years

2 years

3-Year MSW

 

X

2 years

3 years

Pathway Distance Education

 

X

3 years

2 years

MSW/MPA Concurrent Degrees

X

X

3 years

2 years

 
Award Type: Stipend Option
  • Students receive funds each academic year, disbursed each semester.
  • Students have one year after graduation to obtain qualified employment in any county in California.
  • Current employees of qualifying agencies* are only eligible for the reimbursement option, unless the employee has an approved leave of absence and can submit a letter of support from their agency director upon request. 

 

 
Award Type: Reimbursement option
  • Monetary support is provided through reimbursement for tuition, fees, books, and travel, not to exceed $19,141 per year.
  • Students must be prepared to pay upfront for tuition, fees, books, and travel, and provide original receipts for reimbursement.
  • Employees of qualifying agencies* are given priority.
  • Employees of qualifying agencies* are only eligible to apply for the reimbursement option.

  • Employees of qualifying agencies:

    • Must have the support of their employer before signing the Title IV-E program contract.  Consult with your agency before applying.  
    • Must be prepared to submit a letter of support from the agency director or designee when requested by the university.
    • Must remain in good standing throughout the Title IV-E Program.
    • The service requirement must be fulfilled with the sponsoring qualifying agency in a qualifying position. If the student is not currently in a qualifying position, they will have six months to obtain employment in a qualifying position with the sponsoring qualifying agency.   

    *Qualifying agencies include public child welfare agencies (state, county, or tribal).  If you are unsure if your agency qualifies, contact swtitleive@csusb.edu to confirm. 

 

General Program Requirements:

All applicants must:

a. Be admitted into the applicable CSUSB social work program to be considered.

b. Be able to work in California during the program and after graduation, for the duration of the obligation.

c. Have a valid California driver’s license and maintain it throughout the program.

d. Have access to the use of a vehicle for practicum; provide proof of vehicle liability insurance & current registration for duration of program. 


Awardees:

1. Must maintain academic eligibility, including GPA requirements, completing all courses, and advancing of candidacy.  

2. Participate in child welfare-specific internships, practicum seminars, and curriculum. This includes taking a public child welfare elective and completing at least one year in a public child welfare internship.

3. Sign contracts annually, as funding is not automatically guaranteed each year. Eligibility for additional financial aid may be affected.  Students are responsible for managing their own financial aid eligibility and awards. Questions regarding financial aid must be directed to the CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

4. Agree to seek and accept qualifying employment, upon graduation, in a California county, tribal or state public child welfare social service agency, and must complete two years of continuous full-time employment; Advanced Standing and BASW are required to complete one year of continuous full-time employment.

A Title IV-E recipient must repay the monetary support, including interest at 5% per annum, and any applicable collection costs, if any of the following:

  • Failure to satisfactorily complete academic and/or practicum requirements for the social work degree program, for any reason.
  • Becoming academically ineligible.
  • Voluntary separation from the social work program or Title IV-E Stipend Program
  • Failure to apply for or accept employment at a qualifying agency, or not being hired by a qualifying California county, state or tribal social services agency following graduation.
  • Termination of employment at a qualifying agency, for any reason.
  • Failure to maintain employment in good standing throughout participation in the Title IV-E Program. 

Contact for Title IV-E Public Child Welfare Stipend Program:
Stephanie Schneider, PhD, MSW
Title IV-E Program Coordinator
Phone: (909) 537-7223
E-mail: stephanie.schneider@csusb.edu